Richard Okyere Amoateng, the Bibiani District Forestry Manager, has expressed serious concerns about the increasing illegal farming activities taking place within the forest reserves in the area.
He disclosed that, aside from the legally allocated farms, there are numerous individuals who have unlawfully invaded forest lands and cultivated crops, particularly cocoa.
He revealed that some of these illegal cocoa farms have been in existence for over ten years, posing a significant threat to the environment and the sustainability of the forest ecosystem.
In a recent bold move to curb the menace, the Forestry Commission cleared all illegally cultivated cocoa farms in the Aboduabo forest located in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai municipality.
Richard Okyere Amoateng highlighted that this action was fully supported by law and urged any affected farmers who feel aggrieved to seek legal redress through the courts.
He made it clear that no compensation would be given to farmers who illegally cultivate forest lands. Instead, such farmers may be required to pay compensation to the Forestry Commission for the damages caused.
Richard Okyere Amoateng emphasized that forest lands are not the property of these farmers and that cultivating without official permission is unlawful.
Despite ongoing efforts by the Forestry Commission to sensitize the public about the critical importance of protecting forest reserves, many continue to disregard these warnings.
He attributed this persistent non-compliance to political interference and other factors, which have undermined the effective enforcement of forest protection laws.
Source : Bibianinews
